Celebrating Holy Days and other special occasions

Farhad Rohani with Debra Bell at a gathering in Central Saanich, B.C. Photo: Natasha Teagai

The growth of the Bahá’í community consists of a number of “interacting processes, each of which contributes its share to the movement of humanity towards Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of a new World Order.” [1] A number of years ago, to help the friends conceive of the progress of growth at the level of the cluster, the Universal House of Justice introduced the concept of two complementary movements: one is the progress of individuals through the sequence of institute courses, while the other is the development of a cluster, which is “discernable in the collective capacity to manifest a pattern of life in conformity with the teachings.” [2] Part of this pattern of activity “unfolding across the globe, propagated by young and old, by veteran and newly enrolled” is the celebration of Holy Days and special occasions like Ayyám-i-Há. [3]

Barry (Bear) Sam at a gathering in Central Saanich, B.C. Photo: Natasha Teagai

An observation with respect to Holy Days and other special occasions in centres of intense activity across the country is that as individuals progress through the institute courses and learn to contribute to environments of mutual support and assistance, many of them spend more time together. They visit each other often, interact socially, get to know each other’s families, pray together, study together and attend a number of activities together. As the circle of intimate friends grows, participation in Holy Days and other special occasions seems to grow as well. Inviting individuals to attend these events is natural, as these are friends who are part of each other’s lives in so many different ways. In addition, as their consciousness of the lives of the Central Figures of the Faith advances through participation in the institute courses and their associated acts of service, many of the participants in the institute take on more of the responsibility for planning and contributing in various ways to Holy Day celebrations. For example, participants in Ruhi Book 2 or Ruhi Book 4 across the country have often told stories of the lives of the Central Figures of the Faith during Holy Days.

Edmontonians gather at City Hall to celebrate the Twelfth Day of Ridván.

Recently, reports reached us of a Ridván celebration in Edmonton, and Ayyám-i-Há celebrations in Central Saanich, B.C. and Winnipeg Beach, Man. In these three cases, new friends attended the celebrations. Please share with us what you have learned about the significance of Holy Days and other occasions such as Ayyám-i-Há, the insights gained from those who participated, and how they are contributing to the development of community life in your area. Write to bcanada@cdnbnc.org.

Ridván celebration at City Hall in Edmonton, Alta.

On 2 May, Edmontonians gathered at City Hall to celebrate the Twelfth Day of Ridván. The program included music, prayers, and a talk about the progress that had been made toward equality over the last 100 years. The speaker also referred to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events which had recently taken place in the city. Mayor Don Iveson thanked the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Edmonton for contributing to the city’s diversity.

Gathering in Central Saanich, B.C.

In mid-March, the Local Spiritual Assembly of Central Saanich, B.C. organized a pot-luck gathering to welcome four new believers to the community: Dolly Desjarlais and Barry (Bear) Sam, who are from the Tsartlip First Nation, Jerry Lazzar from the T’Sou-ke First Nation, and Ryan Petersen. They declared a few days after an Ayyám-i-Há chili luncheon and friendship gathering on the Tsawout Reserve, close to Central Saanich. Long-time friend and First Nations elder, Debra Bell, was present at both well-attended occasions. The four new believers were presented with a Bahá’í prayer book and flower, and all enjoyed cake and ice cream after an intimate spiritual sharing circle.

About 75 people attend an Ayyám-i-Há celebration at Winnipeg Beach, Man. despite the blustery weather.

Musical Ayyam-i-Há celebration in Winnipeg Beach, Man.

In late February, about 75 people – the vast majority of whom were friends of the Faith – attended a musical Ayyám-i-Há celebration at Winnipeg Beach, Man. despite the blustery weather. The evening included prayers, an explanation of Ayyám-i-Há, an overview of youth activities in Winnipeg, and music by two local music groups as well as individual artists. A local coffee shop, the Irish Otters, provided coffee, tea and juice for the event.

[1] Universal House of Justice, 28 December 2010

[2] Universal House of Justice, 12 December 2011

[3] Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2010